Road roller

ABSTRACT

A road roller having an apparatus mounted on the frame thereof for transporting the roller behind a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed supporting arms with wheels attached to the lower end thereof. A linkage arm connects a driven roller with the supporting arms so that by rotating the driven roller the wheels are brought in contact with the pavement to raise the front end of the road roller. By rotating the driven roller further the rear end of the road roller is raised off the ground. The road roller is provided with a vibrating apparatus which includes a pair of weights which are eccentrically carried on a shaft. The position of the weights can be adjusted relative to each other to vary the vibration imparted to the frame of a road roller.

0 United States Patent [151 3,640,i92

Mauldin 1 Feb. 8, 1972 [54] ROAD RULLER I T Primary Examiner-Jacob L. Nackenoff [72} lm entor. gimlilfiellgaildgggofio6 N. Mam St., Attorneynsailey and Dorm,

[22] Filed: Oct. 1, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 77,069 A road roller havingan apparatus mounted on the frame thereof for transporting the roller behind a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed supporting arms IlL ..94/50 R}; with wheels attached to the lower end thereofi A linkage arm '1' connects a driven roller with the supporting arms so that by [581 meld of 2 3: 4 rotating the driven roller the wheels are brought in contact 1 with the pavement to raise the front end of the road roller. By [56] References cued rotating the driven roller further the rear end of the road roller is raised ofi the ground. The road roller is provided with a UNITED STATES PATENTS vibrating apparatus which includes a pair of: weights which are eccentrically earned on a shaft. The position of the weights 2,053,974 Gremer R can be adjusted relative to each ther to vary the vibration im- 2,078,900 4/1937 B1les..... 94/50 R parted to the frame f a road rollen 2,682,153 6/1954 Fink..... ....94/50 X 3,271,041 9/1966 Acker ..280/43.23 5 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFEB BM 3.640.192

sum 1 OF 3 41 INVENTOR.

'JOHN H. MAULDIN ATTQRNEY.

PATENTEUFEB 8M2 3.640.192

SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR. JOHN H. MAULDIN A TTGRNE Y PATENTEBFEE m2 3.640.192

I SHEET 3 OF 3 INVENTOR.

JOHN H. MAULDIN A T TOR/YE Y ROAD ROLLER This invention relates to a road roller, and more particularly to an apparatus for transporting a road roller.

The conventional road rollers presently being used usually incorporates one or two rollers which are driven bya geared down'motor at a relatively low speed while compacting pavement or loose soil. Due to the speed thatthe rollers operate, when it is desired to transport the roller from one location to another, it is either transported on a truck bed or a special attachment which is utilized to raise the geared down rollers off the pavement. Many such devices, such as disclosed in US.

Pat. No. 2,752,832, granted to R. C. Fink on July 3, I956,

US. Pat. No. 2,985,080, granted to Harrison et al. on May 23, I961,- U.S. Pat. No. 2,608,143, granted to Haupt on Aug. 26, 1952, U.S.'Pat. No. 2,878,723 I granted to Kressin on Mar. 24, 1959,- are provided for transporting the roller on a pair of auxiliary wheels that are pivoted in contact with the pavement. The majority of such devices are. lowered to the transporting position by means of a hydraulic cylinder. Some of the devices also require a hydraulic cylinder on a tongue arrangement Willtll connects to thrhitch of a towing vehicle l'oiiraising the hunt rod ol'tlw lniitl.

At'ttlltlltlj-liy, ll is :m impottaut object of the-present invenill! to provide an improved apparatus for transporting heavy road equipment on a highway or the like.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for a road roller or the like, wherein the power of the road roller is utilized to raise the roller on apair of transporting wheels.

.Another important object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is driven by the driven by the. driven roller of a road roller for first raising the front of the road roller in order that a tongue may be connected to the towing vehicle andthen raising the rear of the roller onto a pair of auxiliary transporting wheels.

Still another important object of the present invention is to provide a self-contained apparatus for transporting a road roller or the like, which requires no auxiliary power operated components for raising the towing vehicle to a transporting position. 7

Still another important object of thepresent inventionv is to provide a vibrating mechanism for a roadroller or the like, wherein thedegree of vibration imparted to the rolling elements of the roller can be readily adjusted.

The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described,together with other. features thereof.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing specification, and by reference. to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, whereinwan example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. I is a side elevational view of a road rollerincorporating the apparatus for transporting such with the wheels removed therefrom,

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the road roller showing the opposite side from that in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the apparatus fortransporting the road roller,

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a road roller having an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invenwtion mounted thereon for transporting the road roller behind a towing vehicle,

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus for-transporting the road roller in a first position raising the front end of the road roller off the ground to a towing position,

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating the apparatus lowered to asecond position wherein the entire road roller is 'supported off the ground in a transporting position,

FIG. 7 is a plan view, partially in section, illustrating a road roller having a vibrating mechanism mounted thereon,

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating. the vibrating mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention,'and

FIGS. 9A through 9D are transverse sectional views taken 1 along line 99 in FIG. 8 illustrating the various positions of a impartedto .the road roller decreasing progressively from the position illustrated in FIG. 9A to the position illustrated in 9D.

Rei'erringin more detail to the drawings, there is illustrated an apparatus for transporting a road roller on a highwayor the like. The road roller has a frame A with a front and rear end. A rolling element B is carried within the frame. Drive means C is provided for engaging the rolling element for rotating the rolling element in order to propel the road roller. A pair of opposedsupporting arms D have one end journaled adjacent the rear end of the frame A. The supporting arms are coupled together so as to move jointly. Means E is provided for attaching a ,pair of wheels F to the other end of the supporting armsD. A linkage arm G has one end pivotally connected to the supporting armsD and the other end is attached by means to the rolling element B..A tongue I has one end fixed to the frame with a towing hitch carried on the other end for connection to, a towing vehicle for supporting the front end of the road roller. Means, which includes a gasoline motor, is provided for activating the drive means for rotating the rolling element It, while the linkage arm (i is attached to the rolling element in order to pivot the supporting arms downwardly to a first position. This causes the wheels I" to cngagethc highway or surface upon which such is being transported, raising the front end of the frame for allowing the towing hitch to be connected totthe towing vehicle. The means I is activated additionally for causing said drive means to rotate the rolling element B further pivoting the supporting arms to a second position wherein the wheels F engage the highway raising the rear end of the roller off the highway.

The roller is provided with a vibrating mechanism which includesa shaft joumaled-on the frame having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the surface being packed. A pair of. weights, each having an eceentrically positioned bore extendingtherethrough, is carried on the shaft in a spaced relationship. One of theweights is fixed to the shaft. A plurality of key slots arespaced circumferentially around the bore of the other weight. Key means is provided for selectively keying the other weight to the shaft for adjusting the position of the center of gravity of the other weight relative to the one weight producing an unbalanced condition. The drive means engages the shaft for. rotating the shaft wherein the unbalanced weights cause i the vibrations to be imparted to roller ,through the frame. An abutment is carried on the shaft on one side of the other weight. Spring means L is carried on an opposite side of the other-weight from the abutment for engaging the other weight forforcingthe otherweight against the abutment.

Means is provided for compressing the spring means for allowing the other weight to be shifted on the shaft out of engagement with the keying means so that the relative position of the center of gravity of the weights can be varied.

:Referring in more particular to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional road roller having a frame consisting of opposed spaced sidewalls 11, and 12, respectively, which are joined by a rear end wall 13 and a front converging end 14.

The frame can be constructed of any suitable material, such as steel. .Ihe-front end of the frame is supported on a steering rolling-element 15, which ismanipulated by a conventional steering wheel .16. The rearend ofthe frame is supported on the drivenrolling elementB. The rolling element B is, in turn,

journaled between the sidewalls ll and 1,2, in bearings 16 and l7-suitably.secured to downwardly projecting flange members 18. Drive ,meansC is provided for rotating the rolling element B. The drivemeans C -,,ineludes a chain '19 which extends between agear 20 attached to the shaft upon which the rolling element B is carried and a .pinion 21. The pinion 21 is carried ona shaft;22 which is, in turn, rotated by a gear 23 which is coupled to the output shaft 24 through a gear .25 of a gear box 26. Theinput shaft 27 of the reduction gear is, in turn, coupled bymeans of thecoupling element 28 to the output shaft 29 of a-gasolinepowered motor 30. A gearshift lever is provided on the gear box 26 to place such in engagement so that the rolling element B can be remained stationary while the gasoline motor is still operating. Mounted on the frame A is a conventional seat 31 upon which the operator sits while operating the road roller.

The rolling element B and roller are both provided with the conventional spring biased scraper 32.

The gear box 26 and the gearing arrangement between the gasoline motor 30 and the roller B reduces the rpm. so that the rolling element B is rotated at a relatively slow speed. This is'desired during the packing operation. However, when it is desired to move from one location to another it is impractical due to the low speed of the road roller to drive the roller. Accordingly, it is necessary either to place the road roller on a flat bed trailer or provide a wheel arrangement for raising the entire roller off of the highway and transporting such thereon. One of the problems however, is lifting the road roller in order to place the auxiliary wheels thereunder. As previously mentioned, one method of lifting the road roller incorporates hydraulic cylinders which pivoted the wheels under the frame of the roller. While hydraulic cylinders may operate satisfactory, they are expensive and require a considerable period of time to install on the roller. Furthermore, they take up space on the roller which may interfere with the operation thereof.

The apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a pair of supporting arms D which have their upper endsjournaled to the sidewalls 11 and 12, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the upper ends of the supporting arms D are allowed to pivot on the shaft 32 which is, in turn, carried between the sidewalls 11 and 12. The supporting arms D may be constructed of any suitable angle irons. The shaft 32 is located behind the longitudinal center of balance of the road roller.

THe lower end of the end of the supporting arms D are, in turn, welded to a square elongated tubular shaft 33. Braces 34 are welded between the junction of the tubular shaft 33 and the supporting arms for aiding in attaching such together. A linkage arm G has one endjournaled to the supporting arm D. Projecting outwardly from the supporting arm D is cylindrical post 35 which has a threaded bore therein. The lower end of the linkage arm G has a cylindrical member 36 integral therewith which fits over the post 35 and is secured thereto by a washer and bolt 37 and 38a, respectively. The cylindrical member 36 is allowed to pivot freely on the post 35. The other end 38 of the linkage arm G is enlarged and has a bore extending therethrough, through which a bolt 39 extends to lock the linkage arm in a raised position or for connecting the linkage arm to the rolling element B. A pin extends through the enlarged head 38 and the bolt 39 to lock the linkage arm in position.

A conventional wheel F is carried on a hub 41 which is, in turn, attached to an inwardly extending rectangularly shaped post 42 which is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the tubular shaft. The wheel F is allowed to rotate freely on the hub 41. The post 42 is secured within the tubular shaft 33 by a pin 43 which extends through the tubular shaft 33 and the post 42, and is secured therein by a cotter pin 44 which, in turn, extends through the pin 43. Therefore, in order to remove the wheel assemblies, which includes the wheels F, it is only necessary to remove the cotter pin 44, the pin 43, and withdraw the wheels from the tubular shaft 33. Normally, when the road roller is being operated the wheels are removed, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. When the wheels are removed the linkage arm G is swung upwardly so that the pin 39 is allowed to extend into a tubular pipe 45 carried on the frame. The linkage arm G is locked in that position by extending a locking member, such as a cotter pin, through the bore extending the enlarged head 38 and the pin 39. A similar pipe 46 is carried on the sidewall 47 of the rolling element B into which the locking pin 39 extends for connecting the end of the linkage arm G to the rolling element B.

A tongue I is carried on front of the rolling element and includes a rigid elongated portion 48 which is pivotally carried between the bracket 49 on a pin 50. The bracket 49 includes a pair of spaced members between which the pin 50 is carried.

The spaced members are secured to the front of the frame by any suitable means, such as welding. A locking arm 51 is pivotally connected to the elongated member 48 by a pin 52. The locking arm has a hole 53 in the other end thereof, through which a pin 54 extends when looking the locking arm 51 to the frame. An outwardly extending flange 55 is welded to the front of the frame and has a hole therein through which the pin 54 passes when looking the locking arm 51 to the frame. A towing hitch 56 is carried on the other end of the tongue for engaging the hitch 57 carried on the back of the vehicle.

When it is desired to place the wheels F in the transporting position, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, first means, which includes the gasoline motor 30, is turned on for activating the drive means, which includes the linkage between the gear box 26 and the rolling element B to rotate the rolling element to a position shown in FIG. 5. Of course, it is understood that prior to activating the drive element the linkage arm G is pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 and the pin 39 is used to lock the linkage arm to the pipe 46 carried on the side wall of the rotating element B. When the rotating element B is rotated clockwise, as illustrated in FIG. 5, to the first position the front end of the road roller is raised as illustrated by the arrow 58. When the front end of the road roller is raised, the locking arm 51 comes into position so that the pin 54 is allowed to pass through the hole 53 in the end thereof and through the hole in the flange 55 to lock the tongue in position. The rolling element B is then rotated further to a second position, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the entire road roller is supported off the ground. The rigid connection between the tongue F and the front of the frame prevents the road roller from tipping forward while being transported. Another locking pin extends through a hole 59 carried in the linkage arm G and a hole 60 extending through the flange 18 for locking the rolling element B and supporting arms D in the position shown in FIG. 6. It is to be understood that the locking pin which extends through the holes 59 and 60 has an enlarged head on one end, and a cotter pin passes through the other end to secure such.

Therefore, it can be seen that an apparatus is provided for transporting a road roller, as well as conveniently raising in steps, the front of the road roller and subsequently the entire road roller off the ground.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate the vibrating mechanism for the road roller. The vibrating mechanism includes an elongated shaft 61. The shaft is journaled between a pair of bearings 62 and 63, which are in turn, bolted to vertical frame members 64 and 65, respectively. The vertical frame members are, in turn, welded to the frame of the roller, as well as joined to another transverse supporting frame member 66 by welding. Positioned adjacent each of the bearings 62 and 63 is an abutment in the form of a collar 67 which is secured to the shaft by a setscrew 68. A pair of weights 69 and 70 have eccentrically positioned bores 71 and 72, respectively, extending therethrough. The weights are carried in spaced relationship on the shaft with the shaft extending through the bores. One of the weights 69 is keyed to the shaft by means of a key 73 for fixing the weight 69 relative to the shaft. A plurality of key slots 74a through 74d are spaced circumferentially around the bore of the other weight 70. The shaft 61 is, in turn, grooved for receiving a key 79 which allows the position of the center of gravity of the weight 70 to be varied relative to weight 69 for changing the unbalanced condition.

A pulley 76 is fixed to the shaft 61 by any suitable means and has a belt 77 extending therearound which also wraps around a pulley 78 carried on the output shaft 29 of the motor 30. Thus, the shaft 61 is rotated directly by the gasoline motor 30. A spring means L which includes a spring, is carried on the shaft 61 between the pulley 76 and the weight 70. Such forces the weight 70 against the collar 67 maintaining the weight on the key 79.

When it is desired to shift the position of the weight 70 relative to the weight 69 the weight 70 is pulled against the compression of the spring L off of the key 79 carried on the shaft 61. After the weight 70 is pulled off of the key it can then be rotated to the desired slot 74a through 74d. When the weight is released the spring forces the weight 70 back against the collar 67. By rotating the weight 70 the unbalanced condition created by the weights 69 and 70 can be varied. For example, in FIG. 9A the unbalanced condition of the weights 69 and 70 is at a minimum, but due to the fact that both weights are eccentrically mounted on the shaft 61 a maximum vibration is produced. The degree of unbalanced condition can be varied by rotating the weight 70 to any of the positions illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9D. There is a minimum of vibration imparted to the frame of the road roller and, in turn, to the rolling eiement B and front wheel when the weights are in the position shown in FIG. 9D.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for transporting a road roller on a highway or the like, having a frame with a front and rear end, a rolling element mounted in said frame, drive means engaging said rolling element for rotating said rolling element for propelling said road roller, a pair of opposed supporting arms, means for journaling one end of said supporting arms adjacent a rear end of said frame for permitting said arms to pivot relative to said frame to a position wherein said other end is below said frame, means for attaching a wheel to the other end of each of said supporting arms, a linkage arm having one end pivotally connected to one of said supporting arms, means for attaching an other end of said linkage arm to said rolling element, means for activating said drive means for rotating said rolling element while said linkage arm is attached to said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a lowered position causing said wheels to engage said highway for raising said rear end of said roller off said highway.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: means for locking said supporting arms in said lowered position.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a tongue, means for rigidly fixing one end of said tongue to said front end of said frame, a towing hitch carried on said other end of said tongue for connection to a towing vehicle for supporting said front end of said frame off said highway, whereby said road roller can be transported by a towing vehicle on said wheels.

4. An apparatus for transporting a road roller on a highway or the like, having a frame with a front and rear end, a rolling element mounted on said frame, drive means engaging said rolling element for rotating said rolling element for propelling said roller, a pair of opposed supporting arms, means for coupling said supporting arms together, means for joumaling one end of said supporting arms adjacent a rear end of said frame, a pair of wheels, means for attaching a wheel to the other end of each of said supporting arms, a linkage arm having one end pivotally connected to one of said supporting arms, means for attaching the other end of said linkage arm to said rolling element, a tongue, means for fixing one end of said tongue to said front end of said frame, a towing hitch carried on said other end of said tongue for connection to a towing vehicle for supporting said front end, and means for activating said drive means for rotating said rolling element while said linkage arm is attached to said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a first position causing said wheels to engage the highway raising said front end of said frame for allowing said towing hitch to be connected to said towing vehicle, said means for actuating said drive means further for rotating said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a second position causing said wheels to raise said entire roller off the highwa 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim fur er comprising:

means carried by said frame for engaging said linkage arm for locking said supporting arms in a raised position when said road roller is being operated. 

1. An apparatus for transporting a road roller on a highway or the like, having a frame with a front and rear end, a rolling element mouNted in said frame, drive means engaging said rolling element for rotating said rolling element for propelling said road roller, a pair of opposed supporting arms, means for journaling one end of said supporting arms adjacent a rear end of said frame for permitting said arms to pivot relative to said frame to a position wherein said other end is below said frame, means for attaching a wheel to the other end of each of said supporting arms, a linkage arm having one end pivotally connected to one of said supporting arms, means for attaching an other end of said linkage arm to said rolling element, means for activating said drive means for rotating said rolling element while said linkage arm is attached to said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a lowered position causing said wheels to engage said highway for raising said rear end of said roller off said highway.
 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: means for locking said supporting arms in said lowered position.
 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: a tongue, means for rigidly fixing one end of said tongue to said front end of said frame, a towing hitch carried on said other end of said tongue for connection to a towing vehicle for supporting said front end of said frame off said highway, whereby said road roller can be transported by a towing vehicle on said wheels.
 4. An apparatus for transporting a road roller on a highway or the like, having a frame with a front and rear end, a rolling element mounted on said frame, drive means engaging said rolling element for rotating said rolling element for propelling said roller, a pair of opposed supporting arms, means for coupling said supporting arms together, means for journaling one end of said supporting arms adjacent a rear end of said frame, a pair of wheels, means for attaching a wheel to the other end of each of said supporting arms, a linkage arm having one end pivotally connected to one of said supporting arms, means for attaching the other end of said linkage arm to said rolling element, a tongue, means for fixing one end of said tongue to said front end of said frame, a towing hitch carried on said other end of said tongue for connection to a towing vehicle for supporting said front end, and means for activating said drive means for rotating said rolling element while said linkage arm is attached to said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a first position causing said wheels to engage the highway raising said front end of said frame for allowing said towing hitch to be connected to said towing vehicle, said means for actuating said drive means further for rotating said rolling element for pivoting said supporting arms downwardly to a second position causing said wheels to raise said entire roller off the highway.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 further comprising: means carried by said frame for engaging said linkage arm for locking said supporting arms in a raised position when said road roller is being operated. 